Ireland's New Culture of Science

PRLog (Press Release) - Jul 15, 2008 -
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) — In a special supplement to the July issue, The Scientist takes an in-depth look at how Ireland’s science culture has become a vital part of the country’s infrastructure.

The supplement, titled Life Sciences in Ireland, highlights the progress Ireland is making through the joint efforts of government, academia and industry. The supplement emphasizes three main areas of progress – policy, industry and research. This special supplement also profiles the key players and their contributions to the rejuvenation of science in Ireland.

In the past, Irish scientists had to emigrate in order to land a steady career. These “prodigal sons and daughters” now return to a rejuvenated economy and booming interest in the sciences and are contributing their experience, expertise and connections to the growth of Irish science. Ireland now courts the world’s greatest Irish and non-Irish researchers.

Ireland has established itself among the elite in several facets of the life sciences including
biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry. There are 32 FDA approved manufacturing
plants that produce 6 of the 10 best selling drugs in the world. Eight of the world’s top ten
pharmaceutical companies in terms of global sales manufacture in Ireland. In 2007, exports of pharmaceuticals and chemicals from Ireland accounted for 49% of all Irish exports.

The recent spike has opened and maintained jobs for numerous residents of the island. There are 4 million people in the country with 170 life science companies employing 35,000 of them. Because of these new opportunities, there are 1,000 PhDs expected to graduate in 2008, doubling the amount from just 10 years ago.

The special supplement, which chronicles the story of Ireland’s success can be found online at www.the-scientist.com/Ireland and as a print magazine by special request, also features editorials from industry leaders discussing their various areas of expertise and profiles some of the leading companies in the Irish science renaissance.

The Irish Development Agency of Ireland (IDA), who continues to attract and develop foreign
direct investment in Ireland, was an integral component in the publishing of the supplement. “IDA Ireland is delighted to be associated with the Supplement – ‘Life Sciences in Ireland.’ This publication captures the developments that have taken place, which have resulted in Ireland fast becoming a major global player in the life sciences,” says Barry O’Leary, Chief Executive Officer of IDA Ireland.